2026 NFL Mock Draft: Maxx Crosby Trade Shakes Up 1st Round

Another blockbuster trade has gone down just before NFL free agency is set to kick off, as the Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to send star pass rusher Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in return for two first-round draft picks.

This deal gives the Ravens the elite pass rusher they desperately need in order to bring their defense back to a familiar level of respectability, while allowing the Raiders to accelerate their rebuild by doubling their stock of first-round picks over the next two drafts.

2026 NFL DRAFT RANKINGS

QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | Interior OL | Edge | Interior DL | LB | CB | S

Now that another first-round pick has changed hands, here’s an updated look at how the top 32 picks in this year’s draft could turn out:

1. Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders get their new franchise quarterback in Mendoza, who is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign that included a Heisman Trophy, an undefeated season, and a national title.

2. New York Jets

Without a worthy quarterback to take here, the Jets opt for a high-upside weapon for Aaron Glenn’s defense in Reese, who has rare athleticism and versatility.

3. Arizona Cardinals

Whoever ends up throwing the passes for the Cards next season and beyond, finding a quality right tackle to replace Jonah Williams will be a high priority.

4. Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward gets a dynamic weapon who can make big plays on the ground and through the air, and the Titans land arguably the best player in the entire draft.

5. New York Giants

Despite big needs along the offensive line, Styles’ rare combination of size and athleticism makes him a worthy top-five pick at a position where it’s hard to find elite talent.

6. Cleveland Browns

After addressing their need at right tackle with the Tytus Howard trade, the Browns can use this pick on the top pass-catcher in this draft, giving them a new WR1.

7. Washington Commanders

Washingtons’ defense needs more playmakers at every level, and Bailey’s rare explosiveness helped him rack up 14.5 sacks last season, tied for most in the FBS.

8. New Orleans Saints

With Cam Jordan expected to move on, the Saints need to replace his pass-rushing impact, and Bain was a dominant force for the Canes last season.

9. Kansas City Chiefs

After the release of Jawaan Taylor, the Chiefs need to find a new right tackle, and Fano would be a strong match of need, value and upside here.

10. Cincinnati Bengals

The ideal scenario for the Bengals, who land one of the best overall talents in the draft in Downs, who can line up all over the field and make big plays against both the run and pass.

11. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins need a true shutdown corner to anchor their pass defense, and Delane was an absolute eraser for the Bayou Bengals last season against SEC competition.

12. Dallas CowboysJermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee

The rapid regression and subsequent departure of Trevon Diggs has left the Cowboys without an elite CB1, but McCoy could be a steal if he returns to his 2024 form.

13. Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)

Davante Adams isn’t getting any younger, and injuries are starting to nag him. The Rams could land an ideal replacement here in Lemon, who would be a perfect fit in Sean McVay‘s offense.

14. Las Vegas Raiders (from BAL)

Sending Maxx Crosby to Baltimore gives the Raiders a chance to add the best interior blocker in this year’s class, ensuring Mendoza will have better protection than Geno Smith did.

15. Tampa Bay BuccaneersCJ Allen | LB | Georgia

The Bucs need someone to take the torch from future Hall of Famer Lavonte David, and Allen has the physical and mental prowess to fill those big shoes.

16. New York Jets (from IND)

It’s a risky pick due to his inconsistent play, average physical traits, and lack of starting experience, but the Jets might be willing to take a swing on Simpson’s potential with their extra first-rounder.

17. Detroit LionsMonroe Freeling | OT | Georgia

The Taylor Decker era is ending in Detroit, but Freeling has the athleticism and physical playing style to be the ideal replacement for the Lions at left tackle.

18. Minnesota VikingsDillon Thieneman | S | Oregon

The Vikings need to find a replacement for future Hall of Famer Harrison Smith, and Thieneman’s combination of athleticism and versatility would make him the ideal candidate.

19. Carolina PanthersKeldric Faulk | Edge | Auburn

You can never have too many talented pass rushers, and Faulk’s impressive physical traits and alignment versatility gives him tons of upside as a 20-year-old prospect.

20. Dallas Cowboys (from GB)

It’s unlikely the Cowboys will break to bank to keep George Pickens long-term as their WR2 behind CeeDee Lamb, and Tyson’s well-rounded skill set would make him a fantastic backup plan.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers need a high-end WR2 to line up across from DK Metcalf, and Cooper’s complete skill set and physical style of play would be an ideal fit.

22. Los Angeles Chargers

Tuli Tuipolotu should get a new contract extension soon, but the Chargers need another top-shelf edge rusher to replace Khalil Mack, and Mesidor was unblockable last season.

23. Philadelphia Eagles

With Dallas Goedert headed for free agency, the Eagles could use another athletic playmaker who can create mismatches in the passing game, and Sadiq checks that box.

24. Cleveland Browns (from JAX)Caleb Lomu | OT | Utah

The offensive line rebuild continues in Cleveland, where Lomu would be an immediate and long-term upgrade at left tackle.

25. Chicago BearsPeter Woods | DL | Clemson

The Bears need a difference-maker along the interior of their defensive line, and Woods has a rare combination of size, athleticism and explosiveness that gives him tons of upside.

26. Buffalo BillsEmmanuel McNeil-Warren | S | Toledo

After trading for DJ Moore, the Bills should look to address their many needs on defense here, and a playmaking safety like McNeil-Warren would make a huge impact right away.

27. San Francisco 49ersKadyn Proctor | OT | Alabama

The 49ers need to find a successor for future Hall of Famer Trent Williams at left tackle, and Proctor has rare talent that could make him an All-Pro with the right coaching.

28. Houston TexansMax Iheanchor | OT | Arizona State

Houston needs to find a new starter at right tackle after trading away Tytus Howard, and Iheanachor’s tape shows an athletic, powerful blocker with tons of potential.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (from LAR)Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson

After trading away Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs could use the first pick from that deal to find a similar player in Terrell, who overcomes his lack of size with technique, toughness, and competitive fire.

30. Denver BroncosDenzel Boston | WR | Washington

Bo Nix needs as many weapons as possible, and Boston brings the size, athleticism and physicality to be a dominant target, particularly in the red zone.

31. New England PatriotsJacob Rodriguez | LB | Texas Tech

Mike Vrabel’s defense needs an infusion of young talent at every level, and Rodriguez is the kind of cornerstone player the Pats could build the entire unit around.

32. Seattle SeahawksChris Johnson | CB | San Diego State

Seattle will need to find a replacement for Riq Woolen, and Johnson has some of the best tape of any corner in this year’s deep class.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Maxx Crosby Trade Shakes Up 1st Round

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